Chapter 51

Finally, Eleanor collapsed onto the couch, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. The weight of the day pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe. Just then, her phone buzzed again, the same unknown number flashing on the screen. She hadn’t saved it, but after seeing it once the previous night, it was already etched into her memory. Without a second thought, she grabbed the phone and hurled it across the room, watching it shatter against the wall.

At Carter Manor, Grace stood on the other side of the grand iron gate, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in the disheveled man before her. "And who might you be?" she asked, her tone dripping with disdain.

"I'm Samuel Nelson, Eleanor's... I mean, Eleanor's father," the man said, flashing a grin that revealed yellowed teeth. "I know she's staying here. Tell her to come out and see me."

It was common knowledge in Coppersville that Eleanor had been missing as a child and had spent over a decade in the countryside. One look at the man, and Grace instantly recognized who he was. Her lips curled in disgust as her gaze swept over him.

"Ms. Thompson has moved out," Grace said coldly.

"Moved out? How is that possible? Isn't she—"

"She and Mr. Carter are divorced," Grace interrupted, her voice laced with irritation. "If you're looking for her, go bother the Harrison family. Now, get lost!"

"Divorced?" Samuel's face fell. He had only recently learned from the news that Eleanor had married Nathaniel, the wealthiest man in Coppersville. Just the thought of having a connection to someone so powerful had sent him into a frenzy of excitement. He never expected Eleanor and Nathaniel to be divorced!

"That's right. They've been divorced for a while now. So scram before I call security!" Grace couldn't hide her disgust. She didn't even want to look at Samuel again. Rolling her eyes, she turned and walked away.

When Grace returned inside, she found Nathaniel coming down the stairs. He was adjusting the cuffs of his shirt as he asked, "Who was outside?"

"Just someone at the wrong door," Grace replied quickly.

But Nathaniel lifted his gaze, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. Even though Grace had practically raised him and was a good 20 years his senior, that look sent a jolt through her.

She hesitated for only a moment before confessing, "That man said he was Mrs. Carter's... I mean, Ms. Thompson's father. He wanted to see her."

"Her father?" Nathaniel's brows furrowed slightly.

"It wasn't Mr. Harrison," Grace added hurriedly, immediately sensing Nathaniel's misunderstanding. "It's probably her adoptive father. You could tell just by looking at him that he's from some rural area. Strange, though... why didn't he come looking for her before?"

Nathaniel gave no response, his expression unreadable as he took a seat at the dining table.

"Should we... do something?" Grace ventured cautiously.

"If he's gone, leave it," Nathaniel said flatly, as if the man had just been an unrelated stranger to him. And in fact, Samuel was a complete stranger to Nathaniel.

Grace exhaled in relief and nodded. Changing the subject, she added, "By the way, do you have any free evenings this week, Mr. Carter?"

Nathaniel glanced up, his brow arched.

"Well, your birthday is coming up," Grace said, forcing a bright tone. "Ms. Morgan called earlier—she would like to throw you a small celebration. She was wondering when you might be available—"

"You're overstepping," Nathaniel interrupted, his voice light but pointed.

That single comment made Grace's face pale.

For a moment, she could only fumble for a response, but Nathaniel didn't wait for one. He calmly set his newspaper down, dabbed the corner of his mouth with a napkin, and stood to leave.